Summary
- Players can create their own characters in Baldur's Gate 3, allowing for customization and catering to personal preferences.
- Making the right choices when it comes to Baldur's Gate 3 character creation can lead to optimal gameplay and maximize opportunities in the game.
- Consider selecting the Dark Urge for a more riveting and morally challenging playthrough, choosing a pre-made origin for a cohesive party dynamic, and selecting a non-origin class for more straightforward gameplay.
Players who want to dive deep into the world of Faerun in Baldur’s Gate 3 can do so in the guise of their very own character. Thanks to the expanded nature of Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, players can create various characters that cater to their preferences. However, fans who want to make the best choices when it comes to Baldur's Gate 3 character creation may want to consider maximizing their opportunities early.
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With the right approach, Baldur’s Gate 3 players can create characters that could put even the edgiest and cheesiest D&D 5e build to shame - at least, in the context of the Larian Studios title. However, just how can players achieve an optimal character as soon as they start the game?
Updated on January 9, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Larian Studios teasing 12 new Subclasses about to be added to Baldur’s Gate 3, fans of D&D are probably excited to try even more builds across even more playthroughs. In that regard, fans and newcomers might want to remember some nifty tips and tricks they can rely on when building their player characters in their new runs. Among new tips to consider include worrying about final builds until later in the game, creating characters while taking into account how they change in the long term, and skipping first Classes that are often multiclass dips.
24 Worry About The Cheese Later On
If It Cheeses In The Midgame, Use It In The Midgame
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Procedure |
Skip focusing on a pre-determined build until later in the game |
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Effect |
Characters will inevitably get to Level 12 at some point in the game, it’s only a matter of how players build them |
There are some instances where advice can seem very “automatic” but still necessary to be reiterated for the purposes of emphasis. In the case of Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, this takes the form of advising players not to worry too much about making the “perfect” character at the start of the game.
The key idea here is that, while it’s true that there are “recommended” Baldur’s Gate 3 builds that can easily cheese certain moments of the game, it would still take hours of meticulous playing for players to reach those instances where builds shine. Builds will still likely make players switch Classes later on, rendering their character creation choices obsolete. If the full extent of the build can only be experienced at a certain point in the game, then there’s no reason to fixate on the “perfect” progression this early.
23 Remember That Builds Evolve
Even Plans Change On The Fly
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Procedure |
Builds can require players to use hyper-specific point allocation and Spell choice that might not necessarily fit a player’s playstyle |
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Effect |
Don’t stick to a build that doesn’t fit a playstyle, as no two playthroughs are exactly alike |
The RNG of Baldur’s Gate 3 roll-playing means there’s no way two playthroughs will be exactly alike. Combine this with the idea that players might not always be comfortable with the playstyle of a recommended build, and they will be left with a half-hearted playthrough they might not necessarily enjoy.
With this potentiality in mind, players should take the opportunity in the character creator to just go wild with a starting build they want and only rerolling their stats when they’re ready to pursue a particular build. Given the hassle of changing equipment and re-toggling Spells and Actions into the hotbar, it’s not worth it risking a build that players won’t enjoy in the long-term when they can start with a character they like at the onset.
22 Avoid Popular Multiclass Dips
Skip The Fighter And The Bard
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Procedure |
Skip choosing popular one-level or two-level dips in Multiclass Dips such as the Fighter or the Bard |
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Effect |
Doing this will open players to the Fighter and Bard Classes later on. They can maximize their existing builds of other Classes while still potentially enjoying the Fighter and Bard should they have to take some of their Features |
Given how Dungeons & Dragons and Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay share a number of familiar Classes for players to choose from, its dynamic Multiclass system will always have “that one Class” that almost everyone dips into for their awesome Features. A popular example would be the Fighter to get their nifty Action Surge and their Proficiencies.
With this eventual “dipping” in mind, players are better off skipping the Fighter in character creation and instead opt for the “other” Class in their planned builds. That way, players can fully immerse themselves in the mechanics of the other Class and only dipping into Fighter for the extra juice. Remember, if Classes like the Fighter are more or less always picked as a Multiclass dip, then it means the Class is likely much easier to maneuver in the long run. In this case, the Class is better reserved for a Companion than a main player character.
21 Remember How Stats Contribute To The Game
Know How Each Stat Affects The Game Before Investing Into Them
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Procedure |
Focus on stats with long-term effects |
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Effect |
This ensures players only invest in Abilities and Skills that benefit them |
Being an adaptation of D&D mechanics, gameplay in Baldur’s Gate 3 also relies on Skill Checks to pull off special encounters with environmental elements. For instance, having low Perception (WIS) can make players miss important landmarks or even traps that another character can detect. These checks can only be more successful if their particular stats are high enough, but sometimes players can invest in many stat that they don’t end up as useful.
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Unlike Skills that have a more “active” role in the game, Ability Scores can affect more internal properties of characters that players shouldn’t overlook.
- Strength: Aside from determining Attack and Damage Rolls, Strength determines Jump Distance and Carrying Capacity (both for Inventory and Throws).
- Dexterity: Aside from checking long-distance Attack and Damage Rolls, they determine Armour Class for Medium Armor and Initiative. Its Saves are commonly based on dodging spells and attacks.
- Constitution: The CON Mod is added to Hit Points a character gains per level. Its Saves are made against spells with a certain duration.
- Intelligence, Wisdom: Both INT and WIS affect situations where players need to either rely on their knowledge or analyze situations. In turn, they’re often related to checks pertaining to understanding others or the environment around them.
- Charisma: This heavily influences how dialogue can present extra options based on its Skills such as Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception.
20 Lean Towards An Independent Build
Guarantees A Fallback Plan If Beloved Companions Leave’
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Procedure |
Make a self-sustaining build with combat, defensive, and recovery options |
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Decisions might force characters to leave, ensuring players can accommodate the roles they leave behind |
Choice is an important aspect of Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, especially when narrative decisions can force characters to leave the party permanently. Since situations as early as Act 1 can determine the fate of party members in the game, players can find themselves losing Companions through unexpected decisions. And for players who don’t want to undo these choices, these situations won’t be able to force players at a disadvantage with an independent build.
At its core, players who create a character for their Baldur’s Gate 3 experience should come under the assumption that the Companions won’t stay forever. This is especially the case when keeping some Companions within their Classes. Astarion won’t always be there to give powerful Sneak Attacks, while Wyll can’t always provide his powerful spells as assets. In this regard, players need to consider self-sufficiency when creating builds. Their character should not only have default melee and ranged attack options, but they should also have ways of navigating the battlefield or even some measure of casting for utility.
19 Pay Attention To Dump Stats
Make Sure Other Characters Complement Low Stats
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Procedure |
A Dump Stat is the character’s lowest stat in the game. Choosing a Dump Stat that is commonly used in Checks and Saves can spell trouble for players |
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Effect |
Try to keep a Dump Stat at +0 for the least risk |
When building Dungeons & Dragons characters, stat distribution will likely force players to have a Dump Stat. This is the Ability Score of a character with the lowest number, and therefore the lowest Modifier. Ideally, the Dump Stat is nowhere near the stat a character needs to fulfill their combat roles such as STR for a melee-based Fighter or INT for a spellcaster like the Wizard. However, unless one is a Spellcaster, it’s common for INT and WIS to be the “default” Dump Stat of characters.
While there’s certainly no problem in choosing these as Dump Stats, players need to pay careful attention when choosing both of them in the context of Baldur’s Gate 3. Exploration will force the game to pull surprise Checks on players, missing relevant information, and even traps via Perception (WIS) or even spotting clues in puzzles with Investigation (INT). Among the two, INT is the more practical Dump Stat, especially when the likes of Wyll (if he’s built like a Wizard) can be the go-to expert for puzzles. Despite the temptation to use WIS as a Dump Stat, it’s also a common Saving Throw.
18 Pick A Bard For Basic Utility
Choose A New Class After Trying Out The Others
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Procedure |
Build a Bard first before respeccing a character into another build |
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The Bard is both a unique non-Origin Class and specializes in utility, enabling players to take the spotlight while also supporting their Companions in combat |
The core Baldur’s Gate 3 experience comes with a Character Creation suite boasting all 12 of D&D’s main Classes. Among these Classes, seven are technically spread across the starting Companions (Barbarian, Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Warlock, Wizard), while three more are among Companions to be met down the line (Druid, Paladin, Ranger). This essentially leaves three Classes (Bard, Monk, Sorcerer) to be used among Origins, and the Sorcerer is implied to be the canonical Class of the Dark Urge. Between the Bard and the Monk, however, a player may want to choose to start the game as a Bard.
Similar to the Rogue, the Bard is also a Skill juggler for having many Proficiencies. Moreover, their Bardic Inspiration is perhaps among the best utilities a party could have in the game with its overall boosts. Players who pick a Bard become the party’s Face, and their CHA specialty allows them to do so while performing Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception Checks reliably. With the Bard, players can stay in the back row and observe the way their party members’ chosen Classes encourage them to act in combat. That way, players can find the playstyle that best suits them without risking experimentation - especially at initial campaigns where respeccing with Withers can get expensive.
17 Exploration Skills Boost Early Survivability In Dungeons
Exploration Checks Can Spot Worthwhile Clues
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Procedure |
Invest in INT and WIS for Investigation and Perception, with a bit of Nature and Arcana if possible |
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Effect |
Many automatic checks in the game involve any of the above, which may help players spot traps and relevant clues |
Players know they've unlocked a crucial part of a dungeon in Baldur's Gate 3 once the narrator begins speaking, and players can only ensure they haven't missed any spots if they have their exploration Skills in order. When making a character, players should consider having Proficiencies in an observation-based Skill such as Investigation, Insight, Nature, Perception, and Survival.
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Having Proficiency in any of these Skills can give players a fighting chance in securing spontaneous Skill Checks during exploration. This allows players to jump the gun on traps to disable them before they damage players. Moreover, these Skills are the only ways to help players spot hidden treasures that they can pick up with Shovels.
- Knowledge: Go for INT-based Skills, particularly Investigation.
- Exploration: Go for WIS-based Skills, especially Perception. Insight, as well as Survival, could be decent secondaries. STR-based characters could also opt for Athletics, whereas DEX-based characters could go for Acrobatics.
16 Conversation Skills Guarantee Early Rapport With NPCs
Charisma Skills Can Secure Smooth Conversations
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Procedure |
Raise CHA to proc more Persuasion and Intimidation Checks |
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Effect |
High enough CHA can ensure players can get the most out of conversations |
Conversations form a crucial part of a player's Baldur's Gate 3 experience, especially with NPCs whose feelings towards the player may dictate whether they can be of assistance regarding specific quests or tasks. Since one wrong conversation can instigate an encounter, players can develop a high-CHA character to secure smooth-talking opportunities.
High-enough CHA should proc options such as Persuasion and Intimidation, especially if players have Skill Proficiencies on these actions. Having access to these options can help players have a fighting chance in pleasing NPCs for favorable outcomes, especially in quests.
- Persuasion (CHA) is a friendlier way of convincing an NPC to be more open to the player's idea
- Intimidation (CHA) is a more aggressive way of forcing NPCs to do the player's bidding, although this may lead to lessening the NPC's opinion of the player or even combat
15 Crime Skills Help Players Cheese Setups
Raise Certain Skills To Cheat One's Way Out Of Sticky Situations
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Procedure |
Deception (CHA) and Sleight of Hand (DEX) are Skills worth the attention |
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High-enough CHA and DEX can ensure players can con or even Pickpocket enemies efficiently |
Considering the wealth of options players have as early as Act 1, it's easy for Baldur's Gate 3 to feel overwhelmed with things they can or can't do with NPCs. Since merchants can be Pickpocketed alongside other NPCs, it's not surprising if players thought of doing a bit of thievery with their characters.
In order to cover this option at the onset, a player's DEX-reliant character should try getting Proficiency in Sleight of Hand early on. That way, players can Pickpocket their way out of lack of Gold in order to get any of the high-rarity items they want.
- Deception (CHA) assists in lying to other NPCs to gain an advantage in conversations
- Sleight of Hand (DEX) can aid in stealing items via Pickpocketing